System for controlling a refrigeration system with a parallel compressor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Refrigeration systems with parallel compressors in traditional configurations experience inefficiencies due to frequent on/off cycles and reduced operational duration when ambient temperatures or system loads fall below certain thresholds, leading to increased energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
The system determines the operational status of the parallel compressor and directs refrigerant from a first compressor to either the parallel compressor or a second compressor based on its operational status, ensuring the parallel compressor receives sufficient refrigerant flow to maintain operation beyond traditional thresholds by supplementing with refrigerant from the first compressor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the parallel compressor operates in traditional configuration, then the system maintains simple control logic, but the parallel compressor experiences frequent on/off cycles and reduced operational duration when ambient temperatures or system loads fall below certain thresholds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the refrigerant flow paths by connecting the discharge of the first compressor to the suction of the parallel compressor through a flow director. This allows the parallel compressor to receive refrigerant from both its traditional source (second refrigeration case) and the first compressor, ensuring sufficient refrigerant flow to maintain operation beyond traditional thresholds and reducing frequent on/off cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control through a flow director that can switch refrigerant flow paths based on operational conditions. The system dynamically directs refrigerant from the first compressor to either the second compressor or the parallel compressor, optimizing the parallel compressor's operational duration and reducing energy consumption by preventing unnecessary cycling.
2Reliability
If the parallel compressor receives refrigerant only from the second refrigeration case, then the system maintains simple refrigerant flow paths, but the parallel compressor cannot maintain operation when refrigerant flow from the second case falls below operational thresholds
Solution Approach 1:
The parallel compressor is designed to serve multiple functions by receiving refrigerant from two sources: the second refrigeration case (traditional source) and the first compressor (supplemental source). This multi-functionality ensures the parallel compressor can maintain operation under varying load conditions, improving system reliability and extending operational duration without requiring complex additional components.
3Loss of energy
If the system allows the parallel compressor to operate longer with supplemental refrigerant flow, then energy consumption is reduced, but the system requires additional flow control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a flow director as an intermediary component that manages refrigerant flow distribution. This single flow control mechanism directs refrigerant from the first compressor to either the second compressor or the parallel compressor based on operational needs, achieving extended parallel compressor operation and reduced energy consumption without requiring multiple complex control systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration extends the operational duration of the parallel compressor, reduces energy consumption, and minimizes on/off cycles, resulting in more efficient energy usage and improved stability of the refrigeration system.
Implementation Method 1
the first compressor of the refrigeration system is operable to compress refrigerant discharged from a first refrigeration case
Implementation Method 2
Refrigeration systems can be used to regulate the environment within an enclosed space... maintain cold temperatures within refrigerated cases
Data Source
AI summary
An improved system, method, and controller for a refrigeration system is provided. The improved system, method, and controller operates the refrigeration system in a manner that extends the operation of a parallel compressor relative to the operation of a parallel compressor in a conventional refrigeration system. The improved method includes determining whether a parallel compressor of the refrigeration system is operational, and if operational, directing refrigerant discharged from a first compressor of the refrigeration system to the parallel compressor. The first compressor of the refrigeration system is operable to compress refrigerant discharged from a first refrigeration case, the second compressor is operable to compress refrigerant discharged from a second refrigeration case, and the parallel compressor, when operational, is operable to provide parallel compression for the second compressor.